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Good Jobs Roundtable meets with federal ministers

OTTAWA, Nov. 28, 2016 /CNW/ - A unique roundtable group of labour, business, student and community leaders met today with senior members of the federal cabinet to discuss ways to create more good jobs in this country.

"Today's meeting shows what is possible when we work together," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias, who chaired the day-long meeting of the roundtable.

The Good Jobs Roundtable meeting was joined by both Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk in the morning, and by Natural Resources Minister James Carr in the afternoon.

"We stressed with both ministers the importance of good jobs in building strong communities, and the vital role government plays in making that possible," Dias said.

The roundtable discussed ways to improve labour market information and planning, including the use of the Employment Insurance system to support training and adjustment; strengthening Canada's information systems concerning labour market developments and future needs; enhanced inter-governmental coordination and sector councils; and supporting innovative links between post-secondary education access and employment.

"I salute the Good Jobs Round Table, which brings diverse groups to the same table to tackle challenges and opportunities for Canada's workforce. I was honoured to participate and share the work our government is doing to provide Canadians with the skills and training they need to find, and keep, good well-paying jobs," Mihychuk said.

Today's meeting also focused on opportunities to sustain and create future good jobs through adding greater value to Canada's natural resources, and heard from speakers from Natural Resources Canada, the Forest Products Association of Canada, and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business.

The roundtable was formed at the Good Jobs Summit organized by Unifor, Ryerson University, the Canadian Federation of Students, and the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives in Toronto in 2014. The Summit brought together 1,000 delegates from unions, universities and colleges, business, and government to discuss strategies for job creation, and what constitutes a good job.